Summers in India are known for their extreme hot weather and heat waves. During this season, Indians have for centuries concocted cooling and hydrating drinks, and thandai is especially significant during this time. According to popular belief, the beverage has cooling qualities, which goes well with the needs of summertime heat waves. The ingredients in thandai also have symbolic meaning; they stand for auspiciousness and cleanliness, which makes it a ceremonial and spiritually significant drink during many Indian festivals.
This summer, battle the onslaught of Indian heat waves with the best traditional drinks available. And if you want to indulge in some delicious milk-based drinks during the season, then thandai is a must-have.
Here are some exotic and refreshing flavours for your thandai.
1. Mango Thandai:
With a blend of sweet, tropical richness from ripe mangoes and the classic thandai mix of almonds, fennel seeds, cardamom, and saffron, mango thandai tempts the senses. It has a delicious combination of fruity, nutty, and creamy flavours. The drink is made pleasant by its sweet, silky texture. To make, puree ripe mangoes with ground almonds that have been soaked, cardamom, saffron, and fennel seeds. After straining, whisk in cooled milk and adjust the sweetness to taste. A colourful take on a traditional beverage, mango thandai is ideal for savouring summertime flavours.
Video Credit: YouTube/ Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
2. Rose Thandai:
Rose thandai is a drink with a distinct flavour and texture that is delicately flavoured. It blends the fragrance of rose petals, the warmth of fennel seeds, and the richness of almonds. The flavour has a beautiful floral sweetness and nuttiness balance that results in a character that is both aromatic and refreshing. The soaked almonds are blended to create a smooth and creamy texture. Soak almonds and melon seeds, then combine them with sugar, cardamom, fennel seeds, and rose water to make rose thandai. Pour the mixture through a strainer and stir it into cold milk to make a rich, aromatic drink.
3. Badam Kesar Thandai:
A delicious Indian drink with a distinct flavour and texture is called badam kesar thandai. It blends the flavorful essence of saffron with the richness of almonds. Almond nuttiness and the warmth, flowery tones of saffron combine to create a delightfully aromatic, sweet flavour. The silky, creamy texture makes for an optimum drinking experience. To prepare this , soak the almonds, crush them into a smooth paste, combine them with milk infused with saffron, and then sugar-sweeten. When served cold, Badam Kesar Thandai turns into a decadent and festive beverage that is ideal for gatherings.
4. Thandai Phirni:
A delicious Indian delicacy that combines the flavours of Thandai and Phirni is called Thandai Phirni. Its flavour is a beautiful fusion of cardamom, fennel and almond flavours from Thandai with creamy rice pudding, making for a distinctively aromatic and spicy experience. There is a faint graininess to the mouthfeel, which is luxuriously smooth with rice grains. To make, milk is added to rice and boiled slowly until it thickens, at which point the Thandai mix is added. It produces a rich dessert that is chilled and topped with chopped almonds. It is ideal for celebratory events or as a sweet treat that embodies traditional Indian flavours.
5. Pista Thandai:
Pista Thandai is a tasty variant with an original flavour and texture. Ground pistachios infusion adds a deep, nutty taste that is enhanced by the traditional combination of cardamom, fennel seeds, and saffron used in thandai cooking. Its smooth and creamy texture gives it a luxurious mouthfeel. To make, whisk milk, sugar, and the thandai spice combination with soaked pistachios. Before serving, strain and refrigerate the concoction. In addition to being an incredibly rich drink, Pista Thandai is a refreshing take on the traditional thandai that elevates celebratory events.
6. Elaichi Thandai:
Elaichi Thandai is a tasty drink with a distinct flavour and a velvety consistency. Made by combining almonds, fennel seeds, saffron, and milk with crushed green cardamom (elaichi), it provides a balance of warm, aromatic cardamom and the richness of nuts. The mouthfeel is exquisite due to the silky texture. Soak the almonds, blend the mixture with the milk, and sieve the mixture. Elaichi Thandai, a refreshing drink relished during holidays like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, is sweetened to taste. In addition to being a delicious delight for the senses, it has cultural importance in Indian festivities.
7. Chocolate Thandai:
A luscious mix, chocolate thandai combines traditional thandai spices with the rich, velvety taste of cocoa. The flavour combines thedelicious tones of chocolate with the enticing aromas of cardamom, fennel seeds, and almonds. Its luxuriously creamy and silky texture makes for a delightful sip. To make it, the traditional Thandai mix is enhanced with a rich, chocolaty undertone by the addition of cocoa powder. The outcome is an opulent drink that combines the cherished components of Thandai with the seductive charm of chocolate, resulting in a distinctive and delectable dessert for special events.